Thiruvananthapuram, July 30 -- Keralam Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday criticised the Congress-led UDF government over its decision to reduce funds allocated to local self-government institutions, saying there was "absolutely no justification" for withholding the funds.

Vijayan was speaking after leading the LDF march to the Secretariat, organised in protest against the government's decision to reduce funds allocated to local self-government institutions.

"It is the elected representatives of local self-government institutions themselves who have been forced to protest in front of the Secretariat, saying they are unable to carry out their responsibilities. Chief Minister VD Satheesan is making...